When returning from sea, how should a red navigational buoy be treated?

A red navigational buoy should be kept on the starboard side when returning from sea. This practice is part of the standard buoyage system established by the IALA (International Association of Lighthouse Authorities) which guides boaters in safe navigation.

When navigating, red buoys indicate the right side of a channel when returning from open water toward the harbor. This convention helps ensure that all boaters follow the same rules and helps prevent collisions in busy waterway traffic. By consistently keeping red buoys to the starboard side, mariners maintain a uniform approach to waterways, providing clear expectations for boat placement relative to navigational aids.

This principle is crucial for safe navigation, and deviating from these guidelines can lead to confusion, potential accidents, or grounding, especially in areas where boat traffic is heavy. It is important to respect these navigational aids instead of considering them as optional or dismissing them altogether.